Basketball training device

ABSTRACT

There is a basketball training device configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device includes a base configured to support the basketball training device. The training device also includes a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base. The training device includes a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base. The training device includes a net selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism. The net mechanism is transparent configured to provide a clear view of the basketball rim. The basketball training device includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/097,053 to Ronald MacArthur filed on Sep. 15, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sports training devices, specifically to a basketball training device configured to aid in the arc of shooting a basketball.

2. Description of the Related Art

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet high hoop under organized rules. Basketball is one of the most popular and widely viewed sports in the world. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the basket above; the team with more points at the end of the game wins.

Shooting is the act of attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the basket. While methods can vary with players and situations, the most common technique can be outlined here. The player should be positioned facing the basket with feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight. The player holds the ball to rest in the dominant hand's fingertips (the shooting arm) slightly above the head, with the other hand on the side of the ball. To aim the ball, the player's elbow should be aligned vertically, with the forearm facing in the direction of the basket. The ball is shot by bending and extending the knees and extending the shooting arm to become straight; the ball rolls off the finger tips while the wrist completes a full downward flex motion. When the shooting arm is stationary for a moment after the ball released, it is known as a follow-through; it is incorporated to maintain accuracy. Generally, the non-shooting arm is used only to guide the shot, not to power it. Players often try to put a steady backspin on the ball to deaden its impact with the rim. The ideal trajectory of the shot is somewhat arguable, but generally coaches will profess proper arch. Most players shoot directly into the basket, but shooters may use the backboard to redirect the ball into the basket.

The two most common shots that use the above described set up are the set shot and the jump shot. The set shot is taken from a standing position, with neither foot leaving the floor, typically used for free throws. The jump shot is taken while in mid-air, near the top of the jump. This provides much greater power and range, and it also allows the player to elevate over the defender. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,048, issued to Winesberry Jr., discloses a basketball shooting teaching apparatus that has up to four upright members in connection with a support ring that is positioned closely against the rim of the basketball hoop by resilient attaching members. The support ring and attached uprights may be rotated around the hoop to provide a target area between the uprights for the shooter to aim at. The apparatus may also include a shooting lane delineated by streamers hung from two of the upright members to a point near where the shooter is standing. A ball return may also be used in connection with the device which comprises a pair of rigid members projecting downward from the basket for return of the ball in a direction toward a designated part of the basketball court.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,680, issued to Cass, discloses a game of basketball designed to assist the player in practice shooting from various positions around the existing basketball hoop assembly and return the ball to the player after completing a basket, thus enabling the player more shooting and less time retrieving the ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,638, issued to Luebkeman, discloses an improved basketball practice device to be attached to and beneath the hoops of existing basketball goals and adapted to direct basketballs passed through said hoops to a play area in front of said goals to improve the shooting ability of youths.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,651, issued to Keeling et al., discloses a basketball training system including a first basketball hoop mounted at a predetermined elevation above a playing surface and a second basketball hoop mounted below the first basketball hoop and above said playing surface in a position such that a line representing the descending path of a desirably shot basketball will pass substantially through the centers of both of the basketball hoops.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,606, issued to Wilson, discloses a basketball training device having a support hoop of essentially the same diameter of the conventional hoop to circumferentially mate with same; a secondary hoop of larger diameter relative to the conventional hoop; arms for attaching the support hoop to the secondary hoop; and clamps for removably connecting the support hoop to the conventional hoop. A method for improving the shooting accuracy of a basketball player comprising positioning the secondary hoop with the portion nearest the backboard tangential and coplanar with the conventional hoop, and with the portion opposite the backboard projecting upwardly and outwardly from the conventional hoop.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being effective, being inefficient, being bulky, being burdensome to use, being expensive, being limited in application, being limited in adaptability, being difficult to use, and awkward to assemble.

What is needed is a basketball training device that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available basketball training devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an efficient and effective device to improve the trajectory of shooting a basketball.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a basketball training device configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device may include a base configured to support the basketball training device. The training device may also include a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base. The plurality of support members may include a padding member disposed about an end of the support members, opposite of the base, and configured to prevent damage of the basketball playing surface. The training device may additionally include a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base, opposite of the plurality of support members and configured to selectably extend and retract. The telescoping member may include an adjustment mechanism configured to secure and adjust the length of the telescoping member.

In addition, the training device may include a net mechanism selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member opposite the base and extending in a vertical planar configuration from the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism. The net mechanism is transparent, configured to provide a clear view of the basketball rim. The net mechanism may also include a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism.

Furthermore, the basketball training device may include a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court. The training device may also include a plurality of locking mechanisms coupled to the plurality of wheels configured to secure the wheels in a stationary position.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expanded mode, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in a collapsed mode;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expanded mode, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expanded mode, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expended mode, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a basketball training device 10 configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device 10 includes a base 14 configured to support the basketball training device 10. The training device 10 also includes a plurality of support members 16 adjustably coupled to an end 18 of the base 14 and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode 12 thereby providing a wider base. The training device 10 additionally includes a telescoping member 20 coupled to the end 18 of the base 14, adjacent to the plurality of support members 16 and configured to selectably extend and retract.

In addition, the training device 10 includes a net mechanism 22 selectably coupled to an end 24 of the telescoping member 20 opposite the base 14 and extending in a horizontal planar configuration from the telescoping member 20 and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The net mechanism 22 also includes a rod member 70 selectably coupleable to the telescoping member 20 and configured to support the top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The net mechanism 22 also includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The lightweight design of the training device 10 is configured to provide easy transportation about the basketball playing surface without damaging the basketball playing surface.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user disposes the base of the basketball training device on a basketball playing surface. The user then pivots each support member outwardly away from the telescoping member and secures each support member parallel to the playing surface. The user then couples the net mechanism through the angled aperture to the top of the telescoping member. The user then extends the telescoping pole to a desired height, preferably a height substantially above the height of the basketball basket. The user then shoots a basketball at the basketball basket. Any basketball with a flight trajectory below that of the top end of the net mechanism will be altered away from the basketball basket. The user will develop a higher arcing basketball shot that will not be altered by the net mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in a collapsed mode, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a basketball training device 10 configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device 10 includes a base 14 configured to support the basketball training device 10. The training device 10 also includes a plurality of support members 16 adjustably coupled to an end of the base 14 and configured to extend vertically therefrom when in a collapsed mode 80 thereby providing convenient transportation and storage. The training device 10 additionally includes a telescoping member 20 coupled to the end 18 of the base 14, adjacent to the plurality of support members 16 and configured to selectably extend and retract. In addition, the training device 10 includes a net mechanism 22 selectably coupled to an end 24 of the telescoping member 20 opposite the base 14. The telescoping member 20 also includes an angled aperture 60 configured to selectably couple and support to the net mechanism 22.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user disposes the base of the basketball training device on a basketball playing surface. The user then pivots each support member outwardly away from the telescoping member and secures each support member parallel to the playing surface. The user then couples the net mechanism to the top to the telescoping member. The user then extends the telescoping pole to a desired height, preferably a height substantially above the height of the basketball basket. The user then shoots a basketball at the basketball basket. Any basketball with a flight trajectory below that of the top end of the net mechanism will be altered away from the basketball basket. The user will develop a higher arcing basketball shot that will not be altered by the net mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expanded mode, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a basketball training device 10 configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device 10 includes a base 14 configured to support the basketball training device 10. The training device 10 also includes a plurality of support members 16 adjustably coupled to the base 14 and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode 12 thereby providing a wider base. The training device 10 additionally includes a telescoping member 20 coupled to the base 14, adjacent to the plurality of support members 16 and configured to selectably extend and retract.

In addition, the training device 10 includes a net mechanism 22 selectably coupled to the telescoping member 20 opposite the base 14 and extending in a horizontal planar configuration from the telescoping member 20 and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The net mechanism 22 is transparent, configured to provide a clear view of the basketball rim 40. The net mechanism 22 also includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22.

Furthermore, the basketball training device 10 includes a plurality of wheels 30 coupled to the plurality of support members 16 and configured to transport the basketball training device 10 about a basketball court. The training device 10 also includes a plurality of locking mechanisms 32 coupled to the plurality of wheels 30 and configured to secure the plurality of wheels 30 in a stationary position.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user disposes the base of the basketball training device on a basketball playing surface. The user then pivots each support member outwardly away from the telescoping member and secures each support member parallel to the playing surface. The user then couples the net mechanism to the top to the telescoping member. The user then extends the telescoping pole to a desired height, preferably a height substantially above the height of the basketball basket. The user then shoots a basketball at the basketball basket. The user may move the basketball training device around the basketball playing surface by disengaging the locking mechanisms disposed on the plurality of wheels. The user may lock the plurality of wheels in a stationary position by engaging the locking mechanisms to the plurality of wheels. Any basketball with a flight trajectory below that of the top end of the net mechanism will be altered away from the basketball basket. The user will develop a higher arcing basketball shot that will not be altered by the net mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a basketball training device in an expanded mode, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a basketball training device 10 configured to block a low-arc basketball shot. The training device 10 includes a base 14 configured to support the basketball training device 10. The training device 10 also includes a plurality of support members 16 adjustably coupled to the base 14 and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode 12 thereby providing a wider base. The training device 10 additionally includes a telescoping member 20 coupled to the base 14, adjacent to the plurality of support members 16 and configured to selectably extend and retract.

In addition, the training device 10 includes a net mechanism 22 selectably coupled to the telescoping member 20 opposite the base 14 and extending in a horizontal planar configuration from the telescoping member 20 and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The net mechanism 22 is transparent, configured to provide a clear view of the basketball rim 40. The net mechanism 22 also includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end 26 of the net mechanism 22. The lightweight design of the training device 10 is configured to provide easy transportation about the basketball playing surface without damaging the basketball playing surface.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of support member 16 includes a plurality of padding members 90 disposed about an end of the plurality of support members 16, opposite of the base 14, and configured to prevent damage to the basketball playing surface during transportation and use.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user disposes the base of the basketball training device on a basketball playing surface. The user then pivots each support member outwardly away from the telescoping member and secures each support member parallel to the playing surface. The user then couples the net mechanism to the top to the telescoping member. The user then extends the telescoping pole to a desired height, preferably a height substantially above the height of the basketball basket. The user then shoots a basketball at the basketball basket. Any basketball with a flight trajectory below that of the top end of the net mechanism will be altered away from the basketball basket. The user will develop a higher arcing basketball shot that will not be altered by the net mechanism.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate a basketball training device configured to fold up for transportation and/or storage, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the device may include a covering device, such as a specifically designed carrying bag to convenient transport and store the basketball training device.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate a single telescoping pole and one net mechanism, one skilled in the art would appreciate that their may be a plurality of telescoping poles and net mechanism and still perform its intended function. It is also envisioned that the net mechanism may include a substantially transparent net mechanism, wherein the transparent net mechanism is configured to provide a clear visible view of the basketball basket.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the base, support members, telescoping pole, and net mechanism may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, color, textile, material, length, height, width, etc. and still perform its intended function.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as metal, metal alloys, plastics, rubber, plastic composite, rubber composite, textiles, etc. and still perform its intended function.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein. 

1. A basketball training device configured to block a low-arc basketball shot, comprising: a) a base configured to support the basketball training device; b) a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base; c) a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base, opposite of the plurality of support members and configured to selectably extend and retract; and d) a net mechanism selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member opposite the base and extending in a vertical planar configuration from the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism.
 2. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court.
 3. The training device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of locking mechanisms coupled to the plurality of wheels configured to secure the plurality of wheels in a stationary position.
 4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the net mechanism is transparent.
 5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the net mechanism further includes a transparent rod member configured to selectably couple to the telescoping member.
 6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the telescoping member further includes an angled aperture configured to support and secure the transparent rod member to the telescoping member.
 7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the net mechanism includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism.
 8. The training device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members include a padding member disposed about an end of the plurality of support members and configured to prevent damage to the basketball playing surface during transportation and use.
 9. A basketball training device configured to block a low-arc basketball shot, comprising: a) a base configured to support the basketball training device; b) a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base; c) a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base, opposite of the plurality of support members and configured to selectably extend and retract; d) a net mechanism selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member opposite the base and extending in a vertical planar configuration from the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism; and e) a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court.
 10. The training device of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of locking mechanisms coupled to the plurality of wheels configured to secure the wheels in a stationary position.
 11. The training device of claim 10, wherein the net mechanism is transparent.
 12. The training device of claim 11, wherein the net mechanism further includes a transparent rod member configured to selectably couple to the telescoping member.
 13. The training device of claim 12, wherein the net mechanism includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism.
 14. The training device of claim 13, wherein the telescoping member further includes an angled aperture configured to support and secure the transparent rod member to the telescoping member.
 15. A basketball training system configured to block a low-arc basketball shot, comprising: a) a base configured to support the basketball training device; b) a plurality of support members adjustably coupled to an end of the base and configured to extend horizontally therefrom when in an extended mode thereby providing a wider base; c) a telescoping member coupled to an end of the base, opposite of the plurality of support members and configured to selectably extend and retract; wherein the telescoping member includes an adjustment mechanism configured to secure and angle the telescoping member; d) a net mechanism selectably coupled to an end of the telescoping member opposite the base and extending in a vertical planar configuration from the telescoping member and configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism; wherein the net mechanism is transparent; wherein the net mechanism includes a textile material configured to alter any basketball shot, which is lower that a top end of the net mechanism; e) a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of support members configured to transport the basketball training device about a basketball court; and f) a plurality of locking mechanisms coupled to the plurality of wheels configured to secure the wheels in a stationary position. 